Former Yard Dawgz head coach returns to the field

Tuesday November 20, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY – Former Yard Dawgz Head Coach and Oklahoma native, John Fitzgerald, will be back on the field in 2008, only this time as the quarterback for the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League.

Fitzgerald, who stepped out of his AFL playing role after seven successful seasons to make his coaching debut with Yard Dawgz, led the team last season to a 7-9 record and their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
 
Under Fitzgerald’s direction, the Dawgz finished second in the league in both pass offense (286.3 yards/game) and total offense (310.9 yards/game).  The Dawgz also received league-wide recognition when WR Al Hunt, Center Gene Frederic, and OL Barry Giles were named to the National Conference All-af2 First Team.
 
After completing his collegiate career at the University of Tulsa, Fitzgerald found success in the Arena Football League where he led the Carolina Cobras, New Orleans VooDoo and Austin Wranglers to the playoffs.  During the course of his seven year AFL career, Fitzgerald went 1,250-of-1,984 for 14,264 yards and 237 touchdowns.  He holds a top-twenty spot on the AFL career leader board for passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and completions.
 
“Our organization is extremely excited for John and his family,” said Yard Dawgz General Manager Christie Cook.  “We greatly enjoyed having John as a part of our Yard Dawgz family during the 2007 season and we wish him the best of luck this season as he leads the Brigade on their quest for the 2008 Arena Bowl.”
 
The Kansas City Brigade finished 2007 with a 10-6 regular season record and a loss to the Colorado Crush in the first round of playoffs.
 
Yard Dawgz season tickets are now available and start as low as $66!  Call 405.228.3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com for more information.